Split gate flash memory and formation method thereof

ABSTRACT

A split gate flash memory. A drain is disposed in the bottom of a trench formed in a substrate. A source is disposed in the substrate outside the trench. A striped floating gate is disposed at a sidewall of the trench, wherein one side of the striped floating gate is near the bottom of the trench, and the other side of the striped floating gate protrudes above the substrate. A control gate winds along the floating gate, wherein one side of the control gate is near the bottom of the trench, and the other side of the control gate in outside the trench. A metal bit line connects to the drain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates in general to a structure andfabricating method for semiconductor memory. In particular, the presentinvention relates to a structure and fabricating method for split gateflash memory.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] A flash memory device is a non-volatile memory, derived fromerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and electrically-erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM). Flash memory is beingincreasingly used to store execution codes and data in portableelectronic products, such as computer systems.

[0005] A typical flash memory comprises a memory array having a largenumber of memory cells arranged in blocks. Each of the memory cells isfabricated as a field-effect transistor having a control gate and afloating gate. The floating gate is capable of holding a charge, and isseparated, by a layer of thin oxide, from source and drain regionscontained in a substrate. Each of the memory cells can be electricallyprogrammed (charged) by injecting electrons from the drain regionthrough the oxide layer onto the floating gate. The charge can beremoved from the floating gate by tunneling the electrons to the sourcethrough the oxide layer during an erase operation. Thus the data in amemory cell is determined by the presence or absence of a charge on thefloating gate.

[0006] Stacked-gate and split-gate types are typically used in thememory cell structures of the flash memory.

[0007] Since the stacked-gate type memory cell structure is the same asthe standard memory cell structure of the EPROM, it is advantageous forsize reduction. However, there is a disadvantage in that the operationalcharacteristics of the flash deteriorate during an erase operation dueto overerase.

[0008] The split gate flash memory, in which the control gate includes afirst portion overlaying a floating gate and a second portion directlyoverlaying the channel, is not susceptible to overerase problems.However, the size of the split gate flash memory cell is not smallenough to achieve sufficiently reduced production costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a structure andfabrication method for split gate flash memory with reduced size.

[0010] The present invention provides a method for forming a split gateflash memory. A substrate having a pad oxide layer and a pad nitridelayer thereon is provided. A trench is formed in the substrate, the padoxide layer and the pad nitride layer. First type dopants are implantedin the bottom of the trench to form a drain in the substrate. A firstoxide layer is formed on the bottom and sidewall of the trench. A firstpolysilicon layer is formed on the sidewall of the trench to function asa floating gate. A second oxide layer is conformally formed in thetrench on the first polysilicon layer and the first oxide layer. The padnitride layer is removed to expose the pad oxide layer. The pad oxidelayer is removed to expose the substrate. A third oxide layer isconformally formed. A second polysilicon layer is conformally formed onthe third oxide layer. A first nitride layer is conformally formed onthe second polysilicon layer. A fourth oxide layer is formed on thefirst nitride layer. A part of the fourth oxide layer is removed by CMPusing the first nitride layer as a stop layer to expose a top,approximately horizontal surface of the first nitride layer. The firstnitride layer is etched to expose a top, approximately horizontalsurface of the second polysilicon layer. The other part of the fourthoxide layer is removed. A fifth oxide layer is formed on the top surfaceof the second polysilicon layer. The first nitride layer and the secondpolysilicon layer not protected by the fifth oxide layer are removed toexpose the third oxide layer, thereby defining the second polysiliconlayer to function as a control gate. First type dopants are implanted inthe substrate to form a source outside the trench. A dielectric layer isformed on the third oxide layer, the fifth oxide layer and the controlgate. A bit line is formed on the dielectric layer connecting to thedrain.

[0011] The present invention provides a split gate flash memory. A drainis disposed in the bottom of a trench formed in a substrate. A source isdisposed in the substrate outside the trench. A striped floating gate isdisposed at a sidewall of the trench, wherein one side of the stripedfloating gate is near the bottom of the trench, and the other side ofthe striped floating gate protrudes above the substrate. A control gatewinds along the floating gate, wherein one side of the control gate isnear the bottom of the trench, and the other side of the control gate isoutside the trench. A metal bit line connects to the drain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings,given by way of illustration only and thus not intended to be limitativeof the present invention.

[0013] FIGS. 1-9 are cross sections showing a method for forming a splitgate flash memory according to the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 10 is cross section showing a split gate flash memoryaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] FIGS. 1-9 are cross sections showing a method for forming a splitgate flash memory according to the present invention.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a substrate 10 is provided. A pad oxide layer12 and a pad nitride layer 14 are sequentially formed on the substrate10. A trench 11 is formed in the pad nitride layer 14, the pad oxidelayer 12 and the substrate 10. The thickness of the pad oxide layer 12is about 80 Å, and the depth of the trench 11 from the surface of thesubstrate 10 to the bottom of the trench 11 is about 0.25 μm.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, an implantation process 18 is carried outwith n-type dopants, such as arsenic ions (As ions), to the bottom ofthe trench 11 to form a drain 16 in the substrate 10. After implantationprocess 18, another implantation process is carried out at 45° withp-type dopants, such as boron ions (not shown), to form a channel in thesidewall of the trench 11.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, a first oxide layer 20 is conformally formedon the bottom and sidewall of the trench 11 by, for example, thermaloxidation. The first oxide layer may not be formed on the sidewall ofthe pad nitride layer 14. A first polysilicon layer 22 is formed on thesidewall of the trench 11 to form a floating gate. The striped firstpolysilicon layer 22 parallel to the sidewall of the trench 11 protrudesabove the horizontal surface of the substrate 10.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, a second oxide layer 24 is conformally formedwith a thickness of about 650 Å on the whole substrate 10. A part of thesecond oxide layer 24 is then removed by chemical mechanical polishing(CMP) using the pad nitride layer 14 as a stop layer, therefore theresult second oxide layer 24 is formed in the trench 11 covering thefirst polysilicon layer 22 and the first oxide layer conformally.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 5, the pad nitride layer 14 is removed by, forexample, wet etching. An implantation process (not shown) is thenexecuted with p-type dopants, such as boron ions (B ions). After theimplantation process, the pad oxide layer 12 is removed. In this step,some second oxide layer 24, the same material as the pad oxide layer 12,may be lost, but it does not affect the present invention.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 6, a third oxide layer 26 is conformally formedwith a thickness between about 80 Å and about 150 Å on the substrate 10,the first polysilicon layer 22 and the second oxide layer 24. A secondpolysilicon layer 28 is then conformally formed on the third oxide layer26 with a thickness of about 1000 Å. A first nitride layer 30 isconformally formed on the second polysilicon layer 28 with a thicknessof about 150 Å. A fourth oxide layer 32 is formed on the first nitridelayer 30 with a thickness of about 800 Å. A part of the fourth oxidelayer 32 is removed by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) using thefirst nitride layer 30 corresponding to the protruding portion of thefirst polysilicon layer (i.e. floating gate) 22 as a stop layer toexpose the top surface of the first nitride layer 30. The top surface ofthe first nitride layer 30 here means the approximately horizontalsurface of the first nitride layer 30 corresponding to the protrudingportion of the first polysilicon layer (i.e. floating gate) 22.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 7, the exposed, top first nitride layer 30 isremoved by etching to expose the top surface of the second polysiliconlayer 28, the extruding portion. The remained fourth oxide layer 32 isremoved to expose the first nitride layer 30, and the exposed secondpolysilicon layer 28 is oxidized to form a fifth oxide layer 34 with athickness of about 100 Å on the top surface of the second polysiliconlayer 28.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 8, the first nitride layer 30 and the secondpolysilicon layer 28 unprotected by the fifth oxide layer 34 are removedby anisotropic etching using the fifth oxide layer 34 as a mask. Thethird oxide layer 26 disposed in the horizontal level is then exposed.An implantation process 36 is carried out with n-type dopants, such asarsenic ions (As ions), into the substrate 10 to form a source 38outside the trench 11.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 9, a blanket dielectric layer 40 is formed onthe third oxide layer 26, the second polysilicon layer 28 and the fifthoxide layer 34. A bit line 42 is formed on the dielectric layer 40 andconnects the drain 16 through the dielectric layer 40, the third oxidelayer 26, the second oxide layer 24 and the first oxide layer 20.

[0025] The present invention also provides a structure of a split gateflash memory, as shown in FIG. 10. A substrate 44 with a trench 46therein is provided. A drain 48 is disposed in the bottom of the trench46. A source 50 is formed in the substrate 44 outside the trench 46. Astriped floating gate 52 is disposed on the sidewall of the trench 46.One side of the striped floating gate 52 is located near the bottom ofthe trench 46, and the other side of the striped floating gate 52protrudes above the substrate 44. A control gate 54 winds along thestriped floating gate 52. One side of the control gate 54 is locatednear the bottom of the trench 46, and the other side is located outsidethe trench 46. The striped floating gate 52 is disposed between thecontrol gate 54 and the substrate 44. The floating gate 52, the controlgate 54 and the substrate 44 are surrounded by an oxide layer 58 andisolated from each other. A metal bit line 56 disposed on the oxidelayer 58 connects to the drain 48.

[0026] Therefore, minimization of the split gate flash memory isachieved by the present invention.

[0027] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of thisinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in lightof the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described toprovide the best illustration of the principles of this invention andits practical application to thereby enable those skilled in the art toutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the presentinvention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted inaccordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, andequitably entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for forming a split gate flash memory,comprising: providing a substrate having a pad oxide layer and a padnitride layer thereon; forming a trench in the substrate, the pad oxidelayer and the pad nitride layer; implanting first type dopants in thebottom of the trench to form a drain in the substrate; forming a firstoxide layer on the bottom and sidewall of the trench; forming a firstpolysilicon layer on the sidewall of the trench, to serve as a floatinggate; conformally forming a second oxide layer in the trench coveringthe first polysilicon layer and the first oxide layer; removing the padnitride layer to expose the pad oxide layer; removing the pad oxidelayer to expose the substrate; conformally forming a third oxide layeron the substrate and the second oxide layer; conformally forming asecond polysilicon layer on the third oxide layer; conformally forming afirst nitride layer on the second polysilicon layer; forming a fourthoxide layer on the first nitride layer; removing a part of the fourthoxide layer by CMP using the first nitride layer as a stop layer toexpose a top, approximately horizontal surface of the first nitridelayer; etching the first nitride layer to expose a top, approximatelyhorizontal surface of the second polysilicon layer; removing the otherpart of the fourth oxide layer; forming a fifth oxide layer on the topsurface of the second polysilicon layer; removing the first nitridelayer and the second polysilicon layer not protected by the fifth oxidelayer to expose the third oxide layer, thereby defining the secondpolysilicon layer to function as a control gate; implanting first typedopants in the substrate to form a source outside the trench; forming adielectric layer on the third oxide layer, the fifth oxide layer and thecontrol gate; and forming a bit line on the dielectric layer connectingto the drain.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thicknessof the pad oxide layer is about 80 Å.
 3. The method as claimed in claim1, wherein the thickness of the depth of the trench from the surface ofthe substrate to the bottom of the trench is about 0.05 μm.
 4. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dopants used to form the drainare arsenic ions.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein afterimplanting first type dopants to form the drain, second type dopants areimplanted at 45° to form a channel in the sidewall of the trench,wherein the second type dopants are boron ions.
 6. The method as claimedin claim 1, wherein the thickness of the second oxide layer is about 650Å.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein after removing the padnitride layer and before removing the pad oxide layer, second typedopants are implanted to the substrate, wherein the second type dopantsare boron ions.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thethickness of the third oxide layer is about 80˜150 Å.
 9. The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the second polysiliconlayer is about 1000 Å.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thethickness of the first nitride layer is about 150 Å.
 11. The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the fourth oxide layer isabout 800 Å.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thicknessof the fifth oxide layer is about 100 Å.
 13. The method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the dopants used to form the source are arsenic ions.14. A split gate flash memory, comprising: a substrate with a trenchtherein; a drain in the bottom of the trench; a source in the substrateoutside the trench; a striped floating gate disposed at a sidewall ofthe trench, wherein one side of the striped floating gate is near thebottom of the trench, and the other side of the striped floating gateprotrudes above the substrate; a control gate winding along the floatinggate, wherein one side of the control gate is near the bottom of thetrench, and the other side of the control gate in outside the trench;and a metal bit line connected to the drain.
 15. The split gate flashmemory as claimed in claim 14, further comprising an oxide layersurrounding the striped floating gate, the control gate and thesubstrate.
 16. A method for forming a split gate flash memory,comprising: providing a substrate having a pad oxide layer and a padnitride layer thereon; forming a trench in the substrate, the pad oxidelayer and the pad nitride layer; forming a drain in the bottom of thetrench; forming a first oxide layer on the bottom and sidewall of thetrench; forming a striped floating gate on the sidewall of the trench,wherein one side of the striped floating gate is near the bottom of thetrench, and the other side of the striped floating gate protrudes abovethe substrate; conformally forming a second oxide layer in the trench onthe first polysilicon layer; removing the pad nitride layer and the padoxide layer to expose the substrate; conformally forming a third oxidelayer on the substrate and the second oxide layer; forming a controlgate winding along the floating gate on the third oxide layer, whereinone side of the control gate is near the bottom of the trench, and theother side of the control gate is outside the trench; forming a sourceoutside the trench; forming a dielectric layer on the third oxide layerand the control gate; and forming a bit line on the dielectric layerconnecting to the drain.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 16, whereinthe method of forming the control gate comprises: conformally forming asecond polysilicon layer on the third oxide layer; conformally forming afirst nitride layer on the second polysilicon layer; forming a fourthoxide layer on the first nitride layer; removing a part of the fourthoxide layer by CMP to expose a top surface of the first nitride layercorresponding to the floating gate; etching the first nitride layer toexpose a top surface of the second polysilicon layer corresponding tothe floating gate; removing the other part of the fourth oxide layer;forming a fifth oxide layer on the top surface of the second polysiliconlayer: and removing the first nitride layer and the second polysiliconlayer not protected by the fifth oxide layer to expose the third oxidelayer, thereby defining the second polysilicon layer to function as thecontrol gate.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein thethickness of the depth of the trench from the surface of the substrateto the bottom of the trench is about 0.05 μm.